First Nations Health Authority

12/20/2025

On Tseshaht and Hupacasath Territory, a meaningful gathering this week took place at West Coast General Hospital, where community members came together to show appreciation for doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff during a time of ICU diversion and staffing pressures.

The gathering unfolded as a shared expression of song, drumming, and dance, with men singing and drumming and women dancing as teachings from Tseshaht, Hupacasath, Uchucklesaht, and Huu-ay-aht were shared. Together, the songs and dances reflected connection across families and Nations, and the strength of culture carried collectively.

“In our way, we believe in holding people up. One of the best ways we do that is through our culture, through our language, through our song, and through our dance.”
- Ken Watts

Healthcare staff received devil’s club necklaces, along with shirts and blankets, as symbols of protection, care, and appreciation.

12/19/2025

FNHA Health Benefits is committed to ensuring clients maintain access to essential health benefits and support during community evacuations. In emergency situations, such as flooding, individuals may have very little time to leave and might be unable to bring medications or medical supplies.

Learn how FNHA Health Benefits can assist at the news story below.

​If you are evacuated and cannot take these items with you, FNHB can assist by providing:

12/18/2025

FNHA Medical Officer, Dr. Evan Adams shares a flu season message and explains some misinformation about vaccines. Protect yourself, protect your family and protect your community.

12/18/2025

🙌🏼

12/18/2025

Thanks for sharing!

12/17/2025

In case you missed it!

Each year, thousands of sudden cardiac arrests occur across the province...

12/16/2025

Join the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion virtually on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 5-7:30 p.m. for an It Starts With Us session with Mark Chenery, Co-Founder and Director of Common Cause Australia.

Mark will facilitate training on the Common Cause Values and Frames Fundamentals—an evidence-based approach designed for healthcare professionals, educators, leaders, and staff who want to communicate in ways grounded in shared human values.

Whether you’re a leader guiding your community through challenging times, a faculty member facilitating complex discussions, a communicator crafting sensitive messages, or a clinician providing meaningful feedback, you’ll learn how to frame messages that foster connection, reduce polarization, and strengthen shared commitment to justice, equity, decolonization, Indigenization, and inclusion. Register to receive the webcast link or access to the recording after the event.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/496jywk

12/12/2025

Southern regions of British Columbia are currently experiencing flooding and travel disruptions as a powerful atmospheric river brings record-breaking rainfall.

All four major highways connecting the Interior to the Lower Mainland are impacted due to flooding, rockslides, debris and avalanche concerns. Environment Canada has also raised warnings to orange and yellow levels across the Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, Sea-to-Sky, Interior and Vancouver Island.

Learn how you can stay safe and informed at the news story below!

Southern regions of British Columbia are currently experiencing flooding and travel disruptions...

12/11/2025

Join the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion virtually on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 12-3 p.m for the Indigenous Speakers Series session, We Are the Change We Seek: Leading Indigenous Health in British Columbia.

Indigenous leadership is transforming health systems across B.C.—advancing Cultural Safety, Humility, and Truth and Reconciliation. Learn how Indigenous voices at the executive level are reshaping policy, addressing racism and discrimination, and creating lasting change for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across the province. Register to receive the webcast link or access to the recording after the event.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4iUJY7R

12/11/2025

Travel Advisory: Stay Safe on BC Highways

Recent and ongoing rain events have caused highway impacts across the province.

- Check DriveBC.ca for the latest road closures and detours when planning your route or family emergency evacuation plan.
- Travel only when necessary. Driving conditions are dangerous right now due to hydroplaning risks and debris on the roads.
- Drive slow and do not drive across flooded roads 6 inches deep.

12/11/2025

FYI

Northern Health and First Nations Health Authority have issued a drug advisory for the Northwest region of Northern Health. Several “Down” samples submitted for drug checking have tested positive for Medetomidine.

Medetomidine is a non-opioid sedative which can cause an increase in complex overdose events and fatal overdose. Drugs containing Medetomidine can cause deep and prolonged sedation with very low or no pulse.

Overdose symptoms may require multiple doses of naloxone or may not respond to naloxone.

Increased risk of overdose through smoking, injection, or snorting.

For more information, see: stories.northernhealth.ca/news/drug-advisory-northwest-region

For information on other overdose prevention resources, see: www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/overdose-prevention

12/11/2025

Check out the post below for more information about the flood warning in the Fraser Valley and how you can be prepared!

The River Forecast Centre has upgraded a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for Sumas River, Lower Fraser tributaries including the Chilliwack River, Skagit River and Coquihalla River and other areas of the Fraser Valley around Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and east through Manning Park.

A Flood Warning means river levels HAVE exceeded riverbanks or will exceed them soon. Flooding of nearby areas will happen.

✔️ Stay clear of waterways
✔️ Don't drive through flood waters
✔️ Pack grab-and-go bags

Status updates: bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca

Get Prepared: PreparedBC.ca/floods

Evacuation alerts and orders: EmergencyInfoBC.ca